marrakech, morocco
our guide to marrakech
Our tried and tested favorites for a trip to the ochre city — some we return to time and time again, and others that are worth visiting if only once.
After living here for 6+ years, it seems about time I finally immortalize these as a quick reference ;)
Although I would not recommend bringing a dog on a vacation to Marrakech, I will note which places we have been welcomed with Ozzy.
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M E D I N A
A favorite for a traditional Moroccan breakfast and watching life hum by in the Spice Square. Also open for lunch and dinner.
Kesh Cup*
Great for a cup of coffee on the go (iced drinks and alternative milks are available), or take a minute to sit and people watch from the adorable and very cozy corner cafe location.
A warm and welcoming cafe great for brunch or coffee.
Located inside the Musée des confluences, Bacha Coffee is like stepping back in time, and the coffee and service are truly spectacular. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time to avoid a long wait. Closed Mondays.
Atay Café*
Perfect for a casual introduction to moroccan cuisine featuring beautiful views of mosque ben youssef.
Terrasse des Épices* (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
A must for a lively atmosphere, great service, and more-upscale Moroccan and international cuisine.
Shtatto*
An unbeatable terrace for a sunset tea or juice.
L’mida* (reservations recommended)
Putting a modern flair on moroccan food with more great views. Ask for a table on the terrace (weather-permitting!).
Mazel*
A great stop for falafel and other sandwiches (also great couscous!) after a visit to the Bahia/Badii Palaces.
Le Jardin* (reservations recommended)
Beautiful courtyard dining with a tasty and traditional Moroccan menu.
Another lovely courtyard setting around the corner from the house with both Italian and Moroccan options. Also great for takeaway.
La Famille (reservations recommended)
A total hidden gem offering an ever-changing vegetarian menu. Open for lunch only.
Dar Yacout (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
Can't get enough Moroccan food? try Dar Yacout for an evening of indulgence.
Wauw*
Asian-inspired menu with fresh ingredients for when you need a break from tagines and couscous.
Café Arabe* (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
Another great rooftop bar featuring a Moroccan and Italian menu.
Les Jardins de la Koutoubia (serves alcohol)
Our favorite spot for a cocktail in the medina, whether you’re at the Skybar overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque, in the Lounge Bar with live piano, or in one of the many open-air salons. The hotel also has a rooftop Indian restaurant and poolside Moroccan restaurant.
G U E L I Z + B E Y O N D
+61* (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
Bringing a Sydney-style dining experience to Marrakech with fresh plates - don't forget to finish lunch or dinner with a lamington and cappuccino.
La Trattoria* (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
Delicious Italian cuisine, Arabian nights-style.
Amandine*
The finest pastries and sweet treats (and traditional French baguettes) we've found in Morocco.
Offering a walk-up counter and a courtyard restaurant for classic breakfast and brunch items. Don’t miss the attached farmshop for goods (eggs, produce, olive oil, etc) straight from their farm. Their farm-to-table restaurant, Farmers, is just next door as well.
Le Kilim* (serves alcohol)
Sister restaurant to Le Jardin and Café des épices, a contemporary atmosphere with shared plates and cocktails.
Pétanque Social Club* (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
A gorgeous revival of an original pétanque club dating back to the 1920s with beautiful indoor and outdoor areas, tasty food, and delicious cocktails.
Mizaan (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
From the creator of L’mida, enjoy plates inspired by flavors the Middle East.
La Taverne (serves alcohol)
A Gueliz institution with a modest garden restaurant and bar.
Comptoir Darna (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
The go-to for dinner and a show.
Rôtisserie de la Paix (reservations recommended, serves alcohol)
Founded in the 1940s, a garden restaurant perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks.
Moro*
Charming courtyard restaurant and concept store neighboring Jardin Majorelle with a seasonal menu.
*Ozzy welcome
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M E D I N A
Madrasa Ben Youssef
Built in the 14th Century and just reopened in 2022 after a 5-year renovation, the Madrasa Ben Youssef was once the largest islamic school in North Africa.
Dar Bellarj
Right across from Ben Youssef, entry is free (donations encouraged) to this cultural center dedicated to the enhancement of the architectural and artistic heritage and to the living culture of Morocco.
Le Jardin Secret
An unexpected and tranquil garden - one of our favorite spots to enjoy a coffee or beer with a good book or some playing cards.
Musée des Confluences
Once a stately home to the pasha of Marrakech, Dar el Bacha is an exquisite portrayal of Moroccan design and craftsmanship and not to be missed if you’re already planning a visit to Bacha Coffee.
Palais Badii
Beautiful ruins still reminiscent of a majestic palace.
Palais Bahia
A mid-to-late 19th Century palace, the most prestigious in the city at that time.
Place des épices
An open-air souk, or marketplace, where you'll find the flavors and fragrances of Marrakech alongside basket-sellers and the main carpet souk.
Jemaa el Fna
Marrakech's best-known square teeming with life at all hours of the day - enjoy fresh juice from the daytime stalls or haggle over dinner prices at the nighttime food stalls.
Mosque Koutoubia + Parc Lalla Hasna
Although access to all mosques is forbidden to non-Muslims, admire its grandeur from the exterior and the lovely accompanying park just across the way.
Riad Yima
Not only a boutique and tea room, but a pop-art gallery as well by the renowned Hassan Hajjaj.
Pikala Bicycle Atelier
Book a bicycle tour while helping to combat youth unemployment.
Maison de la Photographie
Dedicated to sharing testimonies of the past through thousands of original documents, photographs, postcards, and glass plates.
A socio-economic development project offering fun craft workshops with mediums like leather, metal, and even wood and plaster, with guidance from local master artisans.
Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum
An immersive exploration of Morocco's rich gastronomy through interactive exhibits and live cooking demonstrations with cooking classes also available.
Hammam + Spa
A trip to Marrakech is never complete without experiencing a hammam - a few of our favorites are Riad Janate, Bliss Spa, and Les Bains d’Orient.
Guided Walking Tours
A great way to maximize your time in the medina — we normally suggest doing this your first day to help get your bearings.
G U E L I Z + B E Y O N D
Jardin Majorelle
A lovely, albeit crowded, botanical garden created by artist Jacques Majorelle. Advance ticket purchase is required via their website. We suggest a visit to the attached Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts also, so go for the combo ticket.
Musée YSL
For fans of fashion and even those not, an elegant display of the late designer's sketches, photographs, and stunning couture. Advance ticket purchase is required here as well.
Cyber Park
Ornamental gardens dating back to the 18th century now featuring fountains and lush foliage.
Menara Gardens
A site famous for its olive groves, reflecting pool, and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountain range.
La Mamounia Gardens
Gorgeous and free to explore the grounds and gardens of the iconic La Mamounia hotel. If you’re looking to splurge, go for cocktails in any of their legendary bars - note there is a dress code starting in the late afternoon.
Anima Garden
Artist André Heller’s 2-acre botanical garden with quirky sculptures amid a variety of plants.
Cactus Thiemann
A beautiful botanical garden specializing in cacti.
MACAAL
Contemporary art museum showcasing innovative works by African artists.
Yasalam
Gallery and art shop with a curated collection of more than 100 art prints and over 30 artists from North Africa, the Levant and the Gulf.
Insiders Experience
Private sidecar journeys for the curious traveler.
Hot Air Ballooning
Ciel d’Afrique is our go-to if you’re looking to take to the skies and see the city from above.
Quad Biking
For a quad or buggy experience, get in touch with Quad + Co (pro-tip: opt for the extra lunch and pool in the Agafay Desert).
Beldi Country Club
An oasis outside of the city, perfect for when you need an escape from the chaos of the medina - go for the pool, stay for the lunch, gardens, and glass-blowing facility.
3 Valleys + Agafay Desert Excursion
Hands-down our favorite day trip — a gorgeous drive through the Agafay Desert with a stop at a traditional house overlooking the Atlas Mountains for a delightful home-cooked meal. Trust us when we say the views are unbeatable. Head back to the city via the lush green 3 Valleys, stopping anywhere you like along the way.
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M E D I N A
Dar Mejbar
Floor-to-ceiling and multiple levels of rugs — ask for Said or Shakib and tell them Shea, Kristen, and Ozzy (Said’s best friend) sent you.
Soufiane Zarib
For stunning, modern carpets, stop into the shop in Riad Laarous or the small boutique in the Place des épices.
Souks
For a true Marrakech shopping experience, try your hand at haggling throughout the souks - from leather goods to stunning metal work and even Moroccan-style slippers, there’s something for everyone. If haggling isn’t your thing (that’s ok!), check out the Ensemble Artisanal, which has fixed but still fair prices.
Bab Khemis
Where the locals go for unique and often-antique pieces - basically the Marrakchi flea market.
Le Shop by Badr
If you’re looking to furnish your place back home, check out Badr’s shop just down the way from Le Jardin.
G U E L I Z + B E Y O N D
The Moroccans
Lovely bath products and other exceptional goods to take home from their flagship store next to Jardin Majorelle, but make sure to also visit the concept shop next door inside their hotel, Moro.
Bloom Coffee
Our favorite Marrakech coffee roaster if speciality coffee is your name and coffee beans as a souvenir are your game.
Sook Paris
Clothing boutique offering local brands.
Shkoon Shop
Gorgeous selection of hand-sourced unique, vintage, or newly-made and customizable rugs.
Lrnce
Handmade goods from ceramics to textiles and even furniture celebrating the diversity of Moroccan craft.
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Getting around the medina (and even out to Gueliz) is totally doable entirely on foot. Though if you do wish to hail a cab, make sure you either ask the price of your destination before you get in the car or insist they use the meter (technically required by law but not all drivers will oblige) to avoid any awkward situations when you arrive at your destination.
Have more questions? Want a more tailor-made trip? Get in touch or leave a comment below!
